Faith Lutheran Church

 

 We at Faith Lutheran Church are declaring, "It’s time!”

 

 

 

 

 

  

It’s time ...

• to bring into reality our vision of reaching more people with the grace of Jesus Christ.
• to stimulate and strengthen our programs and ministries through expanded, excellent facilities.
• to reach out to the community with a fresh and exciting education space for all ages, as well as space for children's and youth ministry. 

 

It’s time to grow!  It’s time to build.

 

The 2006 congregational resource assessment revealed a clear and consistent message from our members: Move decisively on our exciting vision for vital, life-changing ministry by building the facilities needed for that vision to become reality. The mood of our members was clear and enthusiastic: It’s time for action!

 

New Solution to Meet a Growing Challenge

 

Faith is blessed to be located in a thriving community, surrounded by a metro area that will continue to grow in the coming decades. The vitality of Faith’s programs for children and youth is a strong attraction for many, including those who choose to commute significant distances to take advantage of Faith’s spiritual community. Truly, for Faith Lutheran Church, "the fields are ripe, the harvest is waiting," and our commitment to its mission compels us to respond to this challenge with passion and determination.

 

 

Preparing for a New Era in Service and Growth

 

 

The Master Facility Plan to create a more vibrant church community, and establish a stronger presence in the greater Clive community, has been carefully designed. A resource assessment process has tightened our focus even further, with a strong recommendation to move to fund raising and then proceed to the next stage of the architects’ plans for phased implementation.

 

At our February 18, 2007, congregational meeting, our members overwhelmingly agreed to pursue construction. This first phase, projected to cost $5.1 million, specifically addresses our highest priority needs:

• Increased education rooms for all ages
• New youth and family ministry space
• Reconfigured and upgraded preschool
• Enlarged and relocated nursery
• Increased and relocated offices
• Doubled parking capacity with improved traffic flow

 Growing Together, Building Faith Questions & Answers 

 

 

1.  Why are we conducting a capital campaign at this time?

 

This is an exciting time in Faith’s journey. Worship is full of life and joy as we gather for all kinds of activities. People of all ages find growth, inspiration, and a true sense of Christian community at Faith.

 

Because of our growth, Faith’s physical structure is in need of both expansion and transformation. Our education programs for all ages are greatly restricted by the lack of appropriate learning spaces. This capital campaign will raise funds needed to address these significant needs, both for now and for our future.

 

 

2. Why did we choose the theme Growing Together, Building Faith?

 

After years of searching for the best solution to our space needs, our theme suggests not only that the time is right to turn plans into action, but also that our work is part of a shared vision which we’ll accomplish through our shared efforts.  Growing Together, Building Faith points ahead with the invitation to do all we can—generously, sacrificially—to ensure that Faith is, and will remain, a place of vibrant growth for all who enter our doors, and to those in the surrounding community and world.

 

 

3.  What is the building project and what will it cost?

 

This project is the first and most critically needed phase identified in our Master Facilities Plan. It includes an all-new education wing as the highest priority, a doubling of our parking capacity, and a significant renovation of our current building and education space. The total cost for this phase is estimated at $5.1 million. The target of our campaign is $4 million—the point at which we are confident we can proceed to construction with a responsible and manageable level of debt.

 

4.  How were our financial goals chosen?

 

We’ve contracted with Kairos and Associates, a Christian resource development agency, to assist us in raising funds for this project. Through our recent resource assessment, Kairos analyzed our membership and financial statistics (including our recent history of giving), taking into account the scope of our project and the economy of our community, and with their expertise and experience applied all this information to determine our potential to take on a project of $5.1 million. Again, we hope to raise that in this 3-year campaign, reducing the amount we would need to borrow and preserving the resources available for ministry. This represents new contributions, over and above our current donations to this congregation.

 

5.  What is our current level of debt?

 

As of March 1, 2007, Faith has a total debt of approximately $1.3 million through Thrivent and First Bank.  Our two mortgages have interest rates of 5.75% and 6.5%. Faith pays $7,327 each month from our general operating fund. 

 

6.  When do we plan to break ground and begin construction?

 

In what’s thought to be the “best case” scenario, some renovations to our existing facility could be underway already this year, with ground breaking for new construction possible in 2008. 

 

           

7.  How will I be contacted for my pledge?

 

During all worship services of our Celebration Weekend, May 5 and 6, people were given time to complete a pledge card, and members of the Growing Together, Building Faith Team personally contacted those unable to attend worship that weekend to answer questions and encourage commitment responses. If you have yet to complete a commitment response, please contact the church office at 225-8334.

 

8.  How long will Growing Together, Building Faith continue?

 

The commitment is for three years and is over and above your regular giving to the congregation. The response card gives you options on how to configure your gift since not all people will want to give in the same way. Some will give one large, up front gift, while others will give a designated amount each week, month, or year.

 

 

9.  May I give stock, real estate, insurance, or other gifts in addition to cash?

 

Absolutely! You are encouraged to think of assets in addition to cash. For many people, this is the best (and smartest) way to give. Giving stocks, property, jewelry, or other appreciated assets as a charitable donation is beneficial to you and the church. If you think you would benefit from more information on this topic, call Susan and Steve Forrest, our Business Managers, at 225-8334, or either of our Kairos and Associates consultants: Pastor Dick Wehrs (320-492-5344) or Pastor Larry Kassebaum (480-694-4180).

 

 

10.  What if my financial situation changes or I move out of the area before the end of the three years?

 

At anytime during the giving phase, your commitment may be increased, decreased, extended or cancelled by notifying our Business Managers, Steve and Susan Forrest, at 225-8334. If you should move out of the area, we hope you would become involved in another congregation and offer them your support.  We will be honored and grateful if you are willing to fulfill your total Growing Together, Building Faith commitment, but you are certainly under no obligation to do so. No matter what your circumstances may be, we ask you to support us in your prayers and to remember that you are always welcomed and loved.